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Tag: Matawalle

  • Tinubu plays Father of the Day at Matawalle’s children’s wedding

    Tinubu plays Father of the Day at Matawalle’s children’s wedding

    • Ceremony at National Mosque draws top dignitaries, foreign leader
    • Imam urges Muslims to prepare spiritually for Ramadan

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday played the role of the Father of the Day at the wedding fatiha of 10 children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, held at the National Mosque, Abuja.

    The brief but well-attended ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of high-ranking dignitaries, including serving and former governors, members of the National Assembly and heads of key government agencies.

    Also in attendance was the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, President Carlos Vila Nova, lending support in a show of diplomatic goodwill and personal solidarity.

    The event began with Jumat prayers, after which the presiding Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Zakariyya Lukman, delivered a sermon centred on spiritual and physical preparation ahead of the Ramadan fast.

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    In his supplication, Prof. Zakariyah said: “We pray to Almighty Allah to give our President, who is representing all, the father of all the brides and the grooms, good health.

    “We also ask Allah to grant our President long life, prosperity and success during his presidency. We pray that his tenure will bring hope to the hopeless.”

    He urged worshippers to embrace repentance, seek forgiveness and align their conduct with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the holy month approaches.

    Proceedings later shifted to the solemnisation of the wedding fatiha involving five grooms and five brides, marking the union of ten of the minister’s children.

    The Minister married five of his sons and five of his daughters out to their pairs.

    The sons and their new brides are: Abdulahi Bello Matawalle and Fatima Sumaila Mera; Fahad Bello Matawalle and Maimuna Buhari Bello Maikusa; Bello Bello Matawalle and Huseina Maiwada Gwamna; Surajo Bello Matawalle and Yasmin Saheed.

    The daughters and their grooms are Safiya Bello Matawalle and Yahuza Shehu Danfulani; Fareeda Bello Matawalle and Ibrahim Sahibi Salim; Nana Firdausi Bello Matawalle and Hon Nasiru Muazu; Aisha Bello Matawalle and Ibrahim Muktar.

    President Tinubu received the brides on behalf of the Matawalle family, symbolically welcoming them into the household.

    Special prayers were offered for the continued success of President Tinubu’s administration, as well as for peace, stability and prosperity across Nigeria.

  • Matawalle: Judging a book by its cover

    Matawalle: Judging a book by its cover

    By Jack Okude

    It’s all too obvious that Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, is one of the most misunderstood public officials in the country. He was governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023. Matawalle came under intense media attacks recently and from the same sources that had felt uncomfortable with his political trajectory. And more significantly with his closeness to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    This can only point to one undeniable fact. Matawalle is a victim of politics, far from the picture being painted of him. His traducers, obviously high on political sophistry and drunk on a toxic broth of vengeful politics, fail to judge him using empirical, verifiable indices. This is the danger of judging a book by its cover, or reviewing a book without reading it. Either way, the auditors of Matawalle’s political profile and his role in the containment of banditry in the northwest, have misread the book which Matawalle had become. It’s a book steeped in strategy, loaded with satire and scripted with cryptic lines in some places, making it difficult for persons of low intellect who cannot discern the satirical lines of the author, to understand.

    Just because, you don’t like the cover of a book, you huff and puff that the book lacks substance when in reality, the same book contains nuggets that you need to cure you of your complicated diseases of hatred, virulent revulsion and atavistic aversion. Matawalle’s sin is his adoption of non-kinetic approach in the fight against banditry and terror. The two dark networks afflicting Nigeria at the moment. On account of his deployment of emotional intelligence, psychological operations (PsyOp), de-radicalization and rehabilitation, economic empowerment, among other non-kinetic strategies, he was portrayed as being sympathetic of banditry and the bandits. This, taken textually and in context, is a fallacy; a spin fabricated in the foundry of extreme politics.

    But it bears restating that the non-kinetic approach adopted by Matawalle was not entirely his sole idea but that of the northern governors whose states came under the scourge of banditry and terror. During his era as governor, there were pictures and videos showing other governors holding dialogue with leaders of the bandits. Now, you wonder why these critics left the other governors who adopted the same approach and focused on Matawalle. The reason is: Politics!

    Matawalle is neither a fan of banditry nor a sponsor of same. Politicians, especially those from his northwest geopolitical zone, are the ones promoting this dim-witted narrative just to de-market a man whose rise in the nation’s political horizon, particularly as a champion of northwest politics and a strong determinant in the zone’s power equation is both sterling and stellar. But they have failed in their ignoble gambit oiled by pecuniary inducements.

    The consistent sermons of the nation’s intelligence community on the deployment of non-kinetic approach to secure the release of abducted Nigerians in different states further justifies Matawalle’s technique which he deployed as Zamfara governor and which he currently favours as the first phase of negotiation before the deployment of the kinetic approach of guns-a-blazing, bombs and mortars.

    But take away politics from the niggling matter of banditry and terror. A stronger global persuasion recommends the use of non-kinetic approach especially in developing countries like Nigeria where poverty, lack of access to education and affordable healthcare make people fall into the hands of terror merchants who bait their recruits with money, food and other social amenities which the country should have provided for them.

    Experts have continued to advocate for the use of non-kinetic methodologies in combatting communal conflicts, the type the country is battling with today. They say this approach should involve a huge 75 percent of the strategy while kinetic approach, the use of military might, should be about 25 percent and should be deployed only when non-kinetic approach has failed. The war against terror and banditry demands such measure because the enemies have integrated themselves among the people whom they use as shield in moments of attack. It is a case of the carrot and the stick favoured by the military.

    As governor, Matawalle dangled the carrot and was able to preserve the lives of the citizens. It must be emphasized that banditry in Zamfara predated his arrival at government house. He inherited it. By his carrot approach of active engagement of all stakeholders in the ecosystem, he pushed back the seething rage of the bandits. The Gusau-Anka-Gummi road which was a no-go area before he emerged as governor became safe again during his tenure. Other roads including the famous Wurno-Isa- Shinkafi- Gusau road, a fortress of bandits, reopened for commuters.  Markets, including the popular cattle markets were opened as socio-economic activities made a rebound under his tenure. Matawalle brought his signature non-kinetic approach to the defence ministry and some people are misreading the dashboard from their biased side of the prism.

    The recent successes recorded in the release of some abducted Nigerians without shooting a gun which could have endangered the lives of the abductees mirrors the Matawalle template. By adopting the non-kinetic approach to release the abducted Nigerians, it will be unfair to tag the military apparatchik as sympathisers and promoters of terrorism and banditry. Such impression rubbishes the efforts of the NSA and the entire security network.

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    It is on record that under Matawalle’s watch as governor, over 1,000 captives were released by bandits without any ransom paid. This was achieved through dialogue and negotiations with relevant stakeholders and the bandits. On November 8, 2020, the 26 schoolgirls abducted by bandits from Faskari in Katsina State were released unconditionally by the bandits, following a non-kinetic approach facilitated by Matawalle. The freedom of many other abductees was effected under Matawalle during his tenure which on record, was the safest four years in the state. This freedom was won by the non-complicated act of negotiation and stakeholder engagements. This approach has been widely lauded by citizens and security experts as not only effective but also promotes the principle of preservation of citizens’ lives in moments of crisis.

    Obviously, Matawalle is a victim of baleful politics. Those attacking him and profiling him as a banditry apologist are politicians and their obtuse hirelings who mischievously or ignorantly conflate non-kinetic approach to taming terror with sympathy for same. They lack the intellect to see beyond the lucre-tainted walls of their mental prisons.

    President Tinubu, a leader who has demonstrated superior grand vision for a better Nigeria than any leader in this 4th Republic, needs the calming effect of Matawalle to secure the northwest without spilling the blood of the innocents. Besides, the President needs the vast network and political equity of Matawalle to win the full confidence of the zone to advance his development and political agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.

    On this note, President Tinubu should ignore the rancid rancour from the Matawalle haters. The minister is working with the security apparatchik in a seamless synergy that promotes unity, effectiveness of non-kinetic measures and preservation of the lives of citizens. He deserves commendation, not deprecation.

    •Okude, a policy analyst, writes from Abuja.

  • Matawalle remains asset to Tinubu’s security governance agenda, says group

    Matawalle remains asset to Tinubu’s security governance agenda, says group

    …warns against politicising minister’s old video

    A citizens-led advocacy group, the Coalition for Truth and National Interest (CTNI), has urged Nigerians to ignore what it described as “selective outrage” over an old video of Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos, the group, led by its national president, Comrade Olatokunbo Olawoyin, defended the minister and warned against attempts to politicise a years-old clip for narrow partisan gains.

    The civic group said the renewed attacks against Matawalle were “opportunistic and stripped of the broader security realities” faced by the country at the time the video was recorded. 

    The statement emphasised that public debate should focus on verifiable contributions rather than emotionally charged fragments taken out of context.

    “Recycling old footage for political point-scoring undermines reasoned discourse and distracts from pressing national security issues. It does not reflect the minister’s longstanding commitment to stabilising Nigeria or his current role in the nation’s defence architecture,” Olawoyin said.

    The coalition highlighted Matawalle’s recent efforts in national security, citing his instrumental role in the successful rescue of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State. 

    The operation, it said, required coordination, tact, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s security environment, underscoring the minister’s capacity to act decisively in critical situations.

    “Look at the recent rescue of abducted students of the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State; that successful operation was not by accident,” Olawoyin noted.

    “It was the result of experience, careful planning, and a thorough understanding of the complexity of insecurity in the North-West. Those who focus solely on past footage are ignoring his current contributions to national stability,” 

    The coalition further urged Nigerians to differentiate between understanding the causes of insecurity and condoning criminality, cautioning that conflating the two could lead to unfair vilification of public officials actively engaged in security management.

    “At a time when the country faces multiple security pressures, the government needs competent hands—people who understand both the operational demands and the human dimensions of conflict. Minister Matawalle is one such asset,” Comrade Olawoyin said. 

    The group also appealed to the media and the public to prioritise the national interest over sensationalism, warning against allowing social media narratives to distort perceptions of public servants’ performance.

    “Nigeria is at a critical juncture. We cannot afford to be distracted by manufactured controversies. This is not the time to weaponise old videos or pursue narratives that undermine those committed to stabilising the nation. What the country needs is unity, sober analysis, and a commitment to facts—not outrage theatre,” the statement added.

    The coalition concluded by urging citizens to focus on current evidence of service and leadership, reiterating that Matawalle remains a valuable member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and a key contributor to ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s defence and internal security.

  • Matawalle decries politicisation of security challenge, cautions media

    Matawalle decries politicisation of security challenge, cautions media

    The Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has dissociated himself from a report circulating on social media, claiming he said “Zamfara security initiative would n’t work without him.”

    Matawall described the reports as maliciously crafted to tarnish his good reputation and efforts, and undermine the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling the security challenges facing the nation.

    He said at no time did he grant any such interview, noting, however, that he had taken Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to task over his poor strategy and non-cooperation with the Federal Government on a mechanism for tackling the security challenges.

    Matawalle, who had earlier served as Zamfara governor for four years before his present ministerial appointment, noted that Governor Lawal’s attitude of not carrying him and other stakeholders along in his arrangements for tackling the state’s security situation that has become a national issue is condemnable.

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    He said meeting with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, alone and neglecting him who is a son of the soil and a minister from the state also saddled with defence matters, is regrettable.

    “Everything should not be politicised. This is the time all hands should be on deck to tackle the security problems,” Matawalle said.

    He also condemned the governor for authorizing that security operatives on the ground in Zamfara move to tackle the security threat without coordinating with Abuja, a situation he described as a major drawback in the process.

    He described the story as a sponsored mischief by a certain group of people who were out to use all other avenues to create political tension and instability in Zamfara State.

    “Premium Times as a respected medium ought to have clarified from Matawalle or his media aides his statement on the matter in order to give accurate information to the public.

    “The media should not be used as tools of political mischief and mudslinging because of differences in political leanings.

    “As a stakeholder in the management of security in the nation, there is no reason for him to want to sabotage the efforts of any state governor, talk less of his own state where the security challenges have become unmanageable due to poor governance,” Matawalle added

    According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to securing communities and ensuring residents return safely to abandoned farmlands, schools and homes.

    He said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is fully committed to addressing the country’s problems and no political collusion will deter the government from doing so.

    He also said because President Bola Tinubu is focused on good leadership, purposeful governance, peace, security and socio-economic growth of the nation, his reelection is assured.

  • Northern group hails Tinubu, Matawalle after swift rescue of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls

    Northern group hails Tinubu, Matawalle after swift rescue of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls

    A northern advocacy coalition has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and the Nigerian armed forces for a “well-coordinated and unrelenting security operation” that led to the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi state.

    In a statement on Tuesday signed by its president, Dr Abdulrahman Al-Ma’aruf, the Northern Security and Civic Protection Forum (NSCPF) praised the federal government for demonstrating speed, seriousness and strategic clarity in responding to the abduction, noting that the successful recovery of the victims within days was a direct outcome of high-level coordination ordered by the President.

    The group noted that the 24 students, taken from their hostels by armed bandits on November 17, regained freedom on November 25 “after sustained military pressure forced the captors to abandon them in the forests”. 

    Al-Ma’aruf said Tinubu’s directive asking Matawalle to immediately relocate to Kebbi “shifted the tone and urgency of the operation”, adding that the minister’s presence on the ground galvanised multiple layers of security response across the northwest.

    “From the moment President Tinubu ordered the minister of state for defence to move to Kebbi and assume personal oversight of operations, the tempo changed,” the statement reads.

    “His Excellency, Bello Matawalle, arrived with a clear mandate and deep personal knowledge of the terrain, having confronted similar security challenges during his years as governor of Zamfara. What followed was an intense, closely coordinated multi-agency assault that left the bandits with no safe corridor to escape with the girls. The sustained bombardments over several days created pressure they could not withstand.”

    According to the group, the federal government’s handling of the incident showed a decisive break from the “slow and reactive security posture Nigerians had become familiar with in the past”.

    Al-Ma’aruf said the rescue demonstrated that when properly backed by political will, the armed forces possess the operational capacity to overwhelm and dislodge criminal networks holding communities hostage.

    “For four straight days, the military maintained air and ground pressure on the kidnappers’ hideouts. It was this level of intensity that forced the criminals to abandon the girls. What the armed forces have done is not just a rescue; it is a statement of authority,” the statement continued.

    The group also praised the President for sending “a clear signal that schoolchildren are a red line for this administration”, noting that Tinubu’s quick intervention helped prevent what could have become “another prolonged national tragedy”.

    Al-Ma’aruf urged the federal government to sustain the offensive against bandit groups and ensure that communities in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger and Kaduna enjoy long-term security, adding that the successful operation should mark the beginning of an unbroken campaign against those who target children.

    The northern group said the country owes the rescued schoolgirls a duty of care, calling for trauma support and reintegration programmes as they return to their families.

    “With this rescue, the government has restored hope. Now it must consolidate by ensuring no child in northern Nigeria ever has to face such terror again,” the group added.

  • Matawalle delivers Tinubu’s message to troops in Zamfara

    Matawalle delivers Tinubu’s message to troops in Zamfara

    …vows to end remnants of bandits in northwest

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has delivered a strong message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at the North-West Theatre Command Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, charging them to completely eliminate the remaining remnants of bandits terrorising the region.

    Speaking on Friday, Dr. Matawalle conveyed President Tinubu’s deep appreciation for the troops’ patriotism, courage, and remarkable successes in decimating bandit formations across the Northwest.

    “Mr. President specifically asked me to tell you that you have done exceedingly well,” he said. 

    “Most of the key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. 

    “What remains now are a few scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these remnants must be wiped out completely. 

    “He assures you of every necessary support — logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale — to finish the job.”

    Dr. Matawalle, who was received on arrival by the Theatre Commander, Major-General Warrah Bello Idris, praised the troops for their resilience and professionalism, describing their sacrifices as the bedrock of the gradual return of peace to Zamfara and neighbouring states.

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    He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing all required resources, including enhanced welfare packages, modern platforms, and real-time intelligence, to sustain the momentum of the counter-insurgency campaign.

    The Theatre Commander, Major-General Idris, welcomed the ministerial visit as a morale booster and a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s personal interest in the welfare and operational success of troops in the Northwest.

    During an operational briefing, the Minister was updated on recent successes, including the neutralisation of high-value targets and the reclamation of several communities previously under bandit control.

    In a direct address to hundreds of officers and soldiers drawn up on the parade ground, Dr. Matawalle charged them to remain vigilant, disciplined, and focused, stressing that total victory over banditry in the Northwest is now within reach.

    “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President is proud of you, the nation is proud of you, and very soon, the people of this region will sleep with their two eyes closed,” he declared.

    With the dry season operations intensifying, security analysts believe the renewed presidential backing and ministerial reassurance will galvanise troops towards delivering a decisive blow that will finally end the decade-long banditry scourge in Nigeria’s Northwest.

  • APC group hails Matawalle, Yari for unity, renewed political strength in Zamfara

    APC group hails Matawalle, Yari for unity, renewed political strength in Zamfara

    The APC Solidarity Network for Tinubu has lauded, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, for what it described as his exceptional leadership, political maturity and tireless commitment to strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North West.

    The network also extended warm commendations to former Zamfara Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, praising his unwavering support and close collaboration with Matawalle in strengthening the party’s unity and structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Matthew Attah, the group said Matawalle’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda have made him one of the most outstanding ministers in the current administration.

    The network commended Matawalle for spearheading a “massive wave of defections” into the ruling party in Zamfara State, describing the development as a clear testament to his political influence and grassroots appeal.

    “Bello Matawalle has not only delivered on his responsibilities as Minister of State for Defence but has also been instrumental in rebuilding the APC’s political strength across the North West. 

    Read Also: Group hails Matawalle for APC’s strong performance in Zamfara bye-election

    “Under his watch, Zamfara State has witnessed a massive exodus of people into the party, making the APC the most formidable political force in the region,” the statement reads.

    The group vowed to resist any campaign of calumny against the Minister, warning that it would not tolerate attempts to undermine his achievements or question his loyalty to President Tinubu.

    “No individual or group of persons will be allowed to tarnish the image of one of the most performing ministers in this administration. Matawalle’s dedication, both to his ministerial duties and to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, has delivered superlative results for Nigeria and the North West in particular,” the group said.

    According to the group, the synergy between the two former Governor, Yari and Matawalle, has sent a powerful message of cohesion and renewed determination within the Zamfara APC, reinforcing confidence that the state will deliver a landslide victory for President Tinubu and the party.

    “It is heartwarming to see that both Matawalle and Senator Yari are working assiduously, day and night, to ensure the total victory of the APC in Zamfara and across the North West. 

    “Their renewed partnership is reassuring, and their shared vision for progress is proof that history is about to be made again in Zamfara politics,” the statement added.

    The group noted the harmonious relationship between the two leaders has re-energised the APC base in the state, bridging political divides and restoring confidence among party loyalists.

    “By putting the interest of the party and the success of Mr President first, Matawalle and Yari have shown what true leadership and statesmanship mean. Their unity is a powerful signal that the APC in Zamfara is now stronger, more focused, and more prepared than ever before.”

    The APC Solidarity Network for Tinubu described both leaders as “pillars of hope and progress” whose joint efforts will ensure that Zamfara remains an unshakable APC stronghold as the countdown to 2027 begins.

    “With their continued collaboration and shared commitment to the Renewed Hope vision, there is no doubt that Zamfara State will be 100 percent APC come 2027,” the group declared.

  • Group hails Matawalle for APC’s strong performance in Zamfara bye-election

    Group hails Matawalle for APC’s strong performance in Zamfara bye-election

    The Zamfara Good Governance Group (ZGGG) has praised the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for ensuring that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains a strong political force in the state following the recent bye-election.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s president, Murtala Abdullahi, commended Matawalle for his role in sustaining the APC’s grassroots strength even after leaving office as governor two years ago. 

    Abdullahi said the results collated by independent observers so far were a testament to the minister’s enduring political influence and commitment to his party.

    “Despite not holding the reins of state government, Matawalle has shown uncommon leadership and loyalty to the APC. The bye-election has once again demonstrated his firm connection with the people and his ability to inspire confidence in our great party. Zamfara remains firmly rooted in the APC because of the structures and trust he built during his tenure,” Abdullahi said.

    The group noted that the electoral process was marred by attempts from the current deputy governor, chief of staff to the governor, some commissioners, and other senior government officials to tilt the contest, but praised APC supporters for standing their ground in defence of their votes.

    “Zamfara people stood tall in the face of undue pressure. Supporters of our party displayed courage, resilience, and faith in democracy. Their determination to protect their choice is commendable and has ensured that the APC continues to show dominance in Zamfara’s political space,” Abdullahi stated.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the bye-election inconclusive due to irregularities in some polling units and announced that a new date for the supplementary poll would soon be fixed. 

    The ZGGG urged the commission to maintain transparency in the process and guarantee that the final outcome reflects the will of the people.

    “Democracy must be defended at all costs. We call on INEC to ensure that the supplementary election is free, fair, and credible. The people of Zamfara have spoken, and their voice must not be silenced by manipulation or malpractice,” Abdullahi added.

    The group also highlighted the importance of Matawalle’s continued involvement in the affairs of Zamfara despite his national responsibilities as Minister of State for Defence. 

    Abdullahi said the minister’s accessibility and grassroots engagement had kept the APC united and motivated.

    “Matawalle’s presence is still strongly felt in Zamfara. His ability to balance his role at the federal level with his commitment to his home state has kept the party machinery active and formidable. This is why, even in a challenging electoral environment, the APC continues to perform strongly,” he noted.

    The ZGGG further urged APC members and stakeholders to consolidate on the momentum by closing ranks and working for the collective interest of the people. 

    Abdullahi emphasised that internal unity and focus on service delivery would strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

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    Abdullahi concluded by reaffirming the ZGGG’s support for Matawalle and the APC, insisting that the minister’s contributions to the party and the state would remain a reference point in Zamfara’s political history.

    “The legacy of resilience and commitment that Matawalle represents is the reason Zamfara continues to stand with the APC. We are confident that the final result will confirm the people’s choice,” Abdullahi said.

    The group also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters during the supplementary poll, stressing that the courage displayed by citizens in the initial exercise must not be undermined.

    “Zamfara people deserve a credible electoral process that reflects their will. We trust that INEC will soon announce a date for the supplementary election and that the voices of our people will ultimately prevail,” Abdullahi added.

  • FG targets $12 million revenue from global market electronic navigational charts – Matawalle

    FG targets $12 million revenue from global market electronic navigational charts – Matawalle

    The Federal Government is targeting about $12 million as annual revenue from the global $90 million worth global market for Electronic Navigational Charts.

    The Minister of Defence (State), Bello Matawalle, disclosed this during the World Hydrography Day celebration 2025, in Abuja, yesterday.

    The 2025 event was themed: “Seabed Mapping – Enabling Ocean Action.”

    Matawalle said the revenue would be generated from chart validation, distribution, and revenue management for international shipping clients.

    He pledged Nigeria’s support for hydrographic capacity building, investment in technology, and stronger regional ties to ensure that no part of Nigerian waters remains uncharted, unsafe, or unsustainable.

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    According to him, sustainable development, especially in the nation’s coastal and riverine communities, depends on how well we understand and manage our marine environment.

    The minister announced the formal establishment of the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts West Africa Regional Office & Training Centre, domiciled in the National Hydrographic Agency, Abuja.

    He said: “By this strategic partnership, the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria has joined four other global regional offices in the US, UK, Australia and Brazil.

    “This move positions Nigeria to tap into the 90 million dollar global market for Electronic Navigational Charts, potentially generating between 9 million and 12 million dollars in annual revenue from chart validation, distribution, and revenue management for international shipping clients.”

    According to Matawalle, Seabed mapping was no longer a technical luxury but a strategic imperative where cables connect our digital world, pipelines fuel our industries, and biodiversity sustains our ecosystems.

    He said despite its central role to modern society “yet, much of it remains uncharted, unknown, and therefore unprotected,”.

    The minister said that the data that hydrographers gather beneath the nation’s waters enables safe navigation, marine spatial planning, climate science, coastal defence, and blue economy development.

    “In essence, seabed mapping is the foundation upon which sound ocean action is built.”

  • The needless bile against Matawalle and other issues

    The needless bile against Matawalle and other issues

    • By Lawal Umar Maradun

    RECENTLY, a group emerged with unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “call the Minister to order” over alleged harassment of their supporters. While some organized orchestrated protests, hiring non-Zamfara indigenes to call on EFCC against Matawalle. These claims are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the internal failures and disarray within their paymasters.

    What these detractors truly resent is the strong and visible support that Hon. Matawalle gives to President Tinubu and the APC-led administration. He has consistently stood out in defending government policies aimed at national development and stability.

    It is crucial to challenge the misuse of the term “harassment.” In a democratic society, accountability and political engagement do not equate to intimidation. The reckless use of such terms without credible evidence smacks of desperation and undermines constructive political discourse. It’s a strategy rooted in propaganda, not principle.

    These groups have lost ground both politically and socially. Their relevance has diminished, and rather than reflect on their shortcomings or propose solutions, they resort to mudslinging and finger-pointing. This is not advocacy, rather it is a smear campaign motivated by envy, hatred and political fatigue.

    Ironically, these critics have failed to address the serious economic and security challenges in their constituencies. For example, Zamfara State remains one of the hardest-hit regions, grappling with insecurity and poverty. Yet, instead of contributing to solutions, they attack those actively working to alleviate the suffering of the masses in the State like Matawalle.

    Hon. Matawalle has never shied away from his responsibilities, both as a former governor and now as a federal minister. Alongside Senator Abdulaziz Yari and other key stakeholders of the APC. Matawalle has continued to support the people of Zamfara state through generous relief efforts such as donations during Ramadan and interventions during disasters like the 2024 Gummi flood and most recenty, the visit of Matawalle to condole the families of the slained Chief Imam in Maru Local Government Area of the State. Matawalle’s positive impact is felt always first before even those whose responsibility is to govern the State.

    When he was Governor,  Matawalle was highly  committed to people-oriented administration to ensure a Government under meaningful change and to ensure effective governance aimed at delivering better services to the people of the State; Matawalle made series of strategic appointments that cut across all the Wards in the 14 local government areas of the State.

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    The people he appointed were individuals who  were carefully selected and trusted to bring visionary leadership, and accountability across all levels of administration in the State. For a purposeful leadership and for meaningful Impact, there were a number of philanthropic gestures and social intervention programmes to ameliorate the sufferings of the people in the state. For example under the Zamfara State Social Intervention Programme (ZASIP) so many families were removed from hardships.

    Many young people were appointed into various positions who were experts in various fields of endeavour, guiding strategic decisions of the Government with experience and insight. The aim was to bring efficiency and innovation to blend.

    Many of the past appointees who were contacted before compiling this piece have stated that they are still grateful to the past Matawalle administration which groomed them to serve as voices of the people, championing in various sectors and communities across the state. They further explained that they equally served as hands-on supporters,  ensuring grassroots impact and responsive governance in Zamfara.

    Some of the permanent members and commissioners appointed by Matawalle submitted that their inclusion by Matawalle in his government has helped to further strengthen his administration, as they were assigned to various roles to serve as guardians of continuity and institutional capacity. They contributed in offering steadfast oversight functions and direction.

    Even part-time members appointed said they have provided professional service and expertise to elevate various boards performances and brought balance and perspective to governance.

    All the 14 Local Government Areas had Project Monitoring Committee members serving as watchdogs ensuring that local development projects  delivered the desired results.

    Indeed, there has never been a Governor in Zamfara State that truly ensured inclusiveness in governance and  represented a unified force committed to improving lives, enhancing service delivery, and building a better future for all the people of the State,

    Such actions reflect leadership, not intimidation. As a former legislator and governor, Matawalle embodies a commitment and respect to the rule of law, compassion, and responsible governance. His support for the people has remained unwavering, even while serving at the national level.

    Rather than acknowledge his contributions or collaborate with him on shared goals such as tackling insecurity in the State, his detractors choose to manufacture conflict and discord. At a time when Nigeria faces serious challenges from insecurity to food shortages, what the State and the nation need is unity and focus, not political theatrics and vendetta.

    The constant attacks on Matawalle do not damage his credibility, however, they only expose the attackers’ own lack of substance and their inability to provide real leadership. As Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle serves the entire nation, playing a key role in national security, not just local politics, he is far ahead.

    President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on unity, development, and inclusive governance. Therefore, baseless distractions only serve to destabilize the political climate and hinder progress. It is time the opposition stopped chasing shadows and started engaging in nation-building.

    If Nigeria is to move forward, political actors must set aside bitterness and embrace a forward-thinking agenda. Targeting those who are actively contributing to national progress only reinforces their own irrelevance and disconnect from the needs of the people.

    • Maradun, a public affairs practitioner wrote from Abuja.